Building strength for the unknown. Supporting research for a better future. On December 5, I'm taking on the 12-hour Ruck at the Sawmill Gauntlet in Laurens, South Carolina. The course is a 2.5-mile trail loop with 401 feet of elevation gain per lap while carrying a 25-pound ruck. Ten laps would mean 25 miles and more than 4,000 feet of climbing. But this challenge represents something much bigger than one event. In 2021, a blood clot in my aorta led to the discovery of a rare blood disorder. I was overweight, out of shape and facing some difficult realities about my health. I knew I needed to make a change, but I couldn't know what the future would hold. So I chose not to wait. In February 2022, I began training with OPEX Midlands and Coach Scott Brewer. What started as a few workouts a week grew into years of consistent training, Spartan and DEKA events, trail runs and rucks. I've learned that progress comes from showing up, adapting when things get difficult, and continuing to build over time. I live with myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, and receive care from an MPN specialist at MUSC. A bone marrow transplant is one possibility I may face in the future. I can't control everything that lies ahead, but I can work to be as strong and prepared as possible. This ruck is another step in that journey. I'm not sure how far I'll get, but I'll prepare, give it my best effort and keep moving toward that bell.